Practical tips 6 January 2022

Good to Know: Practical Tips for Our Terminal Blocks

We have summarized all of the important information for safely using WAGO splicing connectors.

Helpful Tips:

  • On lighting connectors
  • On junction box connectors
  • On splicing connectors

Connecting Aluminum and Copper Conductors

Copper (Cu) or aluminum (Al): For electrical cables, it’s not a question of faith, but usually an issue of price. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but when they come together, things can get dicey. However, electricians don’t necessarily need a specialty Al/Cu connector for building installations. With WAGO Alu-Plus Contact Paste, they can connect aluminum and copper conductors using WAGO’s connectors – quickly, easily and reliably.

The Right Connector for Every Application: WAGO’s Installation Connector Table

WAGO’s range of installation connectors is constantly evolving. Different solutions are available for every connection task in building installations. You can use the universal splicing connectors for all conductor types – or, if you prefer, you can use the more economical variant and rely on connectors specially designed for the wiring task at hand. The table provides an overview of the entire product range.

Series/ProductConductor Type Conductor RangeVoltage/CurrentTypes of Application

WAGO 243

MICRO PUSH WIRE® Connectors for Junction Boxes

Ø 0.6 to 0.8 mm “e”100 V/6 AFor low-current applications such as wiring telephones and doorbells

WAGO 2273

COMPACT PUSH WIRE® Connectors for Junction Boxes

0.5 to 2.5 mm2 “e”450 V/24 AFor installation in building circuits up to 2.5 mm2, even for wiring in tight spaces

WAGO 773

SPECIAL PUSH WIRE® Connectors for Junction Boxes

2.5 to 6 mm2 “e+m”400 V/41 AFor installation of building circuits up to 6 mm2 with fairly large loads a long cable runs

WAGO 224

Lighting and Inline Connectors

Installation side:

1 to 2.5 mm2 “e”

400 V/24 A

For installations with solid and fine-stranded conductors, e.g., for connecting lights

Lighting side:

0.5 to 2.5 mm2 “e+f”

WAGO 222

CLASSIC Splicing Connectors for all conductor types

0.08 to 2.5 mm2 “e+m”

0.08 to 4 mm2 “f”

400 V/32 AFor installation with solid, stranded and fine-stranded conductors

WAGO 221

COMPACT Splicing Connectors for all conductor types

0.2 to 4 mm2 “e+m”

0.14 to 4 mm2 “f”

450 V/32 AFor installation with solid, stranded and fine-stranded conductors, even for wiring in tight spaces

0.5 to 6 mm2 “e+m+f”

450 V/41 A

= solid

= stranded

= fine-stranded

Correct Power Wiring: It All Depends on the Unit

In everyday use, product names are often simplified, for example, the “two-five WAGO” or the “one-five NYM.” When product types use a uniform naming scheme, such simplifications are generally adequate. But if they don’t, technical problems could arise due to incorrect product selection!

An example from real life: The dimensions for installation cables and lines used for power wiring, such as NYM lines, are specified in mm2, i.e. by the conductor cross-section. In contrast, dimensions for conductors used for signal and communication purposes, such as doorbell or J-Y(ST)Y conductors, are indicated in mm, i.e. by the conductor diameter. In order to ensure that splicing connectors can be clearly associated with the appropriate conductors, the corresponding WAGO connectors are also designated in the same way.

The connection range of the 2273 Series COMPACT PUSH WIRE® Junction Box Connectors for power wiring with installation cables and lines is specified in terms of the conductor cross-section: 0.5 to 2.5 mm2 (20–14). The connection range of the 243 Series MICRO PUSH WIRE® Junction Box Connectors for signal and communications lines is specified in terms of the diameters: from 0.4 to 0.5 and 0.6 to 0.8 mm.

If the corresponding unit is ignored, it would be easy to get the impression that the new 2273 Series COMPACT PUSH WIRE® Connector for Junction Boxes could also be used for 0.6 mm and 0.8 mm signal and communication lines, since its larger connection range goes up to 0.5 – But that actually refers to the conductor cross-section of 0.5 mm2 (20 AWG)! When converted to conductor diameter, this corresponds exactly to a diameter of 0.8 mm (0.031 inches). This means that signal and communication lines with a conductor diameter of 0.8 mm (0.031 inches) can be connected with the 2273 Series. The 243 Series MICRO PUSH WIRE® Connector for Junction Boxes is available for all conductors with a diameter of less than 0.8 mm.